Emerald Enclave
Emerald Enclave
The Emerald Enclave is a far-flung order of druids, rangers, and other guardians of the wild who dedicate themselves to preserving the natural balance of the world. They work to maintain the equilibrium between civilization and nature, ensuring that neither consumes the other entirely, and they oppose anything—blighted magic, monstrous tyranny, or the rise of Tiamat—that threatens that balance.
Unlike the more centralized factions, the Enclave is decentralized and self-reliant by necessity: its members are scattered across the wilds, often working alone, surviving in harsh places and helping others do the same. When the balance is gravely threatened, however, they coordinate—and in the war against the Cult of the Dragon they sit at the Council of Waterdeep.
Beliefs
- Nature must be preserved, and the balance between the wild and civilization maintained.
- Threats that scar the land or upset the natural order must be answered.
- Self-reliance and resilience are virtues; the Enclave endures where others cannot.
Methods
- Wilderness guides, druidic wards, and restoration of blighted land.
- Negotiated withdrawals of dangerous creatures—or, when needed, their elimination.
- Intelligence on dragon lairs and corrupted places.
Two Philosophies at the Table
Within the Enclave, two subfactions answer the Cult's threat in opposed ways, and the tension between them is real:
- Talons of Veylan — militant dragon-hunters who revere the legacy of the dragon-slayer Veylan Duskbane. They hold that evil dragons and corrupting aberrations have no place in the natural order and must be purged by force. Party member: Keyleth.
- Scales of Eldath — contemplative peacemakers devoted to Eldath, Lady of Peace. They hold that even destructive forces have a place in the cycle, and prefer mediation, sanctuary, and restoration, treating violence as a last resort. Party member: Karma.
The two wings frequently disagree on the same deed: sparing or calming a dangerous creature wins favor with the Scales and loses it with the Talons, and vice versa. See the Renown Tracker for how each wing scores the party's actions.
Role in the Rise of Tiamat
The Emerald Enclave is one of the five great factions coordinating against the Cult of the Dragon. At the Council of Waterdeep, the Scales of Eldath are represented by Declan Winterhound, who promoted Karma to Rivercaller for her peacemaking. The Enclave's particular value to the coalition is wilderness knowledge: guides, wards, negotiated truces with wild creatures, and intelligence on where dragons lair.
Leadership & Representatives
- Declan Winterhound – Council of Waterdeep representative (Scales of Eldath)
Notable Members
- Keyleth – Wood elf Swarmkeeper ranger; Talons of Veylan
- Karma – Tabaxi Circle of the Moon druid; Scales of Eldath (Rivercaller)
- Reidoth – Druid operating near Thundertree
Relationships
- Harpers – Allied in matters of balance and preservation
- Order of the Gauntlet – Allied against the Cult
- Cult of the Dragon – Enemy; its draconic tyranny is a blight on the natural order